Jacksonville State University approves $80 million renovation to stadium

Go gamecocks! Jacksonville State University (JSU) just approved an $80 million addition to their football stadium. This project is a big step in the Alabama university’s sustainable growth. Keep reading for more on the exciting addition.

Big news for Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State University’s Board of Trustees approved an $80 million addition to their football stadium on July 20. The addition will bring much-needed housing and dining facilities to JSU’s campus.

JSU plans to demolish its old press box to make room for the project. A multi-level residence hall will go in its place, and many of the new rooms will look out onto JSU’s Burgess-Snow Field. Almost 350 rooms will be added. Imagine not having to leave your room to catch the action on gameday!

“As the university continues to break enrollment records, we have seen a rise in the demand for student housing. This fall, we have a waiting list that we are working to accommodate. If this residence hall were open today, we would be able to fill it. Therefore, it is imperative that we bring new housing online as soon as possible.”

-Terry Casey. Vice President for student affairs at JSU

The addition will also include a 65,000 square foot dinining hall to replace JSU’s current dining facilities, which have been in use for almost 50 years. Construction will break ground following the Fall 2021 football season and is scheduled for completion by Fall 2023. 

The growth of gamecock nation

JSU has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding in 1883 as a state teachers’ college. Located amongst the Appalachian foothills in Jacksonville, Alabama, the regional university now boasts a student population of almost 10,000. JSU is much more than a teachers’ college today: they have 95 academic programs and concentrations, including bachelor’s, master’s, post-baccalaureate, doctoral and advanced certificate programs.

In terms of athletics, the gamecocks are a force to be reckoned with. JSU competes in 17 sports, and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. In football, the gamecocks compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. JSU has won six team national championships and two individual national championships, all-time. This new renovation is the latest step in JSU’s growth as an athletic and academic institution.

“This addition will allow us to build upon one of the best gameday experiences in FCS football with a redesigned seating area to include new premium seating. It will also provide a first-class football complex that will include a new dressing room, player’s lounge, training room, hydro-therapy recovery, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, equipment and laundry area, theatre-style team meeting space and game day recruiting area that will allow us to continue competing for a national championship.”

-JSU Athletics Director Greg Seitz

A cost-neutral, win-win project

JSU’s latest addition will be totally cost neutral. Sodexo is contributing $20 million to the dining facility while housing and dining fees will cover operating expenses. In addition, the university will save $4 million a year by ending its lease with The Pointe apartment community once the residence hall opens.

I’m excited to see how JSU grows in the coming years. Affordable and accredited universities like JSU are critical to Alabama’s development. Once again, go gamecocks!

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